U.S. Department of Energy to release alternative Northern Pass routes

WASHINGTON, D.C. ?- The U.S. Department of Energy has agreed to release a preliminary report on alternative routes for Northern Pass, after being asked to do so by the New Hampshire's four congresswomen, they announced Wednesday.

In a letter to the four, the Dept. of Energy said the public report identifying alternative routes will be released before a draft environmental impact statement is issued.?The Department of Energy'?s commitment to make public a preliminary report on alternatives is a positive step forward that will improve transparency for New Hampshire citizens,? delegation members said in a statement. ?

"We look forward to working with DOE to make sure Granite Staters have the opportunity to thoroughly review and comment on the alternative routes prior to the issuance of the draft Environmental Impact Study," the statement says.

The New Hampshire delegation has worked to promote transparency on the proposed Northern Pass project – including leading efforts to ensure New Hampshire citizens have the opportunity to express to federal officials their views and concerns about the transmission proposal, the delegation said.